Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa on pregnancy in rat

Medicinal plants are an important source for treatment of various diseases. However، the possible toxicity of these plants on gestation needs to be evaluated before their clinical applications in pregnant women. Nigella sativa is one of the medicinal plants widely used in traditional medicine، however there is no enough evidence about its potential risks in pregnancy. This study was performed with aim to determine the potential toxicity of N. sativa seed extract on pregnant rats. This animal study was performed in 2015. In this study، pregnant rats were divided into three groups of eight cases: (1) control group which received regular food and water، (2) the group of N. sativa with low dose، from the beginning of pregnancy until the tenth day of pregnancy، 50 mg/kg of hydro-alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa was added to their oral water، and (3) the group of N. sativa with high dose، from the beginning of pregnancy until the tenth day of pregnancy، 300 mg/kg of hydro-alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa was added to their oral water. During pregnancy، the number of stillbirths and neonatal health status were assessed. Data analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey''s post hoc test. Compared to control group، N. sativa extract at 50 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg had no significant effect on duration of pregnancy، percent of stillbirth، number of newborns، and weight of neonates. Also، no abnormal behavior and skeletal deformity were observed in neonates monitored for 30 days after birth. Consumption of hydroalcoholic extract of N. sativa up to 300 mg/kg during the first half of gestation has no toxic effect on pregnancy and newborns health parameters in rats. Further studies on the long-term side effects of N. sativa are recommended.